747 Supertanker
This wildland fire season, we may see a new weapon on the firelines - a Boeing 747 converted into a heavy air tanker (from the Tuscon Citizen).
A massive weapon is expected to be unleashed for what could be a horrendous wildfire season.A Boeing 747 parked at Pinal Airpark north of Marana is slated for final flight testing this month.
Federal Aviation Administration approval is expected in mid-April, said Jordan Hanson, a spokeswoman for Evergreen International Aviation.
Evergreen has spent nearly $35 million converting the 747 into a supertanker capable of carrying 24,000 gallons of fire retardant in one trip, Hanson said.
24,000 gallons in one drop! That will knock down some serious fire. Downside - the plane is so big that it probably can't be used in steep and tight canyons. Upside - huge drop capacity.
Here is the website for the Supertanker at Evergreen International Aviation. It has a ton of info including pictures and videos.
I didn't have time read everything or view the video clips so the answer to my question might be in there, but I wonder how long it takes to reload this monster.
